TACOMA, Wash. – Senior Leah Magee produced a goal and an assist, while freshman Meghan Michels found the back of the net twice as the Pacific Lutheran University women's soccer team dominated Whitworth University 4-0 on Saturday afternoon. 
 
In a matchup of the preseason top ranked teams in the Northwest Conference, the Lutes proved that the three-time defending champions are a force to be reckoned with once again this fall.  
 
"Our focus today was to get off to a good start with our energy, focus, attitude, body language and positivity," said PLU Head Coach Seth Spidahl.  "Whatever quality we had with soccer was going to be what it was. We still have a lot of ways to get better and a lot of games to improve".  
 
Magee struck first in the conference opener for both clubs.  She ripped a shot from the top of the box in the 29^thminute that deflected off the Pirate keeper and rolled into the net.  Four minutes later, it was Michels turn on a pass from Magee. 
 
"Meghan's (Michels) parents went to PLU so they're alumni," said Spidahl.  "She's been having a good training camp, but hasn't quite broken out of her shell.  Today she did.  Our freshmen class overall is outstanding.  At the end of the game we had six freshmen on.  The future is bright with those players."
 
The second half brought more of the same as Kari Mills pushed the advantage to 3-0 in the 74^thminute.  Michels finished off the Pirates three minutes later with her second goal of the game on a pass from Ellie Reardon.  
 
PLU enjoyed a striking 17-6 advantage in shots.  Cassidy Crosswhite only had to make two saves in goal to earn the shutout.  
 
The Lutes improved to 3-1-1 on the year and will remain at home tomorrow when they take on Whitman College at 12:00 p.m. at East Field.